🐢 General Info


The Red-Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is one of the most popular and recognizable aquatic turtles in the world. Native to the southern United States, particularly around the Mississippi River basin, they have also become widespread in many regions due to pet releases and adaptability.


They get their name from the distinctive red or orange stripe behind each eye. These turtles are semi-aquatic, spending much of their time swimming, basking, and exploring both land and water.


Red-Eared Sliders are intelligent, active, and hardy when provided proper care. They can grow quite large and live a long time — females reaching 10–12 inches and males 6–9 inches, with lifespans of 25–40 years in captivity.


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  • Size:

  • Hatchlings (up to 4"): Minimum 40-gallon tank

  • Adults: Minimum 75–125 gallons (larger is always better)

  • Rule of thumb: 10 gallons of water per inch of shell length.

  • Material: Glass aquariums or large stock tanks work well.

  • Ensure the setup allows both deep swimming space and a secure basking platform above water.

  • Layout:

  • Water Area: Deep enough for swimming with gentle slopes or decorations for resting.

  • Basking Area: Must be completely dry, accessible, and stable (use turtle docks, cork bark, or floating platforms).

  • Lid: A mesh or open top is fine, but ensure UVB lighting can penetrate.

  • Décor: Provide driftwood, smooth rocks, and aquatic plants (live or artificial) for enrichment and hiding, avoid sharp or rough items that can damage their shell.

Temperature & Lighting


  • Water Temperature:

  • Use a submersible aquarium heater with a protective guard.

  • Hatchlings: 78–82°F

  • Adults: 74–78°F

  • Basking Spot Temperature: 88–92°F


  • Ambient Air Temperature: 75–80°F


  • Lighting & UVB: UVB lighting is essential for proper calcium absorption and shell health, use a T5 HO 10.0 UVB tube or a mercury vapor bulb placed over the basking area, replace UVB bulbs every 6–12 months depending on brand.


  • Light cycle: Provide 12–13 hours of light daily with a consistent day/night cycle (a timer helps).

  • Tip: position the heat and UVB lights over the same basking area to encourage proper thermoregulation.


Water Quality & Filtration


  • Water Depth: Deep enough for full swimming — at least 1.5 to 2 times the turtle’s shell length in depth.


  • Filtration: Turtles are messy! Use a high-quality canister filter rated for at least double your tank’s volume.


  • Example: A 75-gallon turtle tank should have a filter rated for 150 gallons.

  • Water Changes:

  • Partial (25–50%) water change: Weekly.

  • Full water change: Every 3–4 weeks or as needed.

  • Water Conditioner: Always use a dechlorinator to neutralize tap water before adding it to the tank.


Humidity & Environment


  • Red-Eared Sliders are aquatic and do not require high air humidity like some reptiles.


  • Ambient humidity: 40–60% is ideal.

  • Good ventilation is important to prevent mold or respiratory issues.

  • For outdoor ponds, ensure shade and basking areas are available and that the turtle cannot escape or be reached by predators.


Substrate


  • Options:

  • Bare-bottom tanks: Easy to clean and hygienic.

  • Large river rocks: Provide a natural look and prevent ingestion.

  • Sand: Can be used if fine-grained and kept clean with a siphon vacuum.

  • Avoid gravel or small pebbles, as turtles may ingest them and become impacted.


Diet


  • Type: Omnivorous (with dietary needs shifting as they mature)


  • Juveniles: Primarily carnivorous — prefer protein.


  • Adults: More omnivorous — include more greens and vegetables.


  • Staple Foods:

  • Commercial turtle pellets (main diet base)

  • Insects and protein (crickets, mealworms, earthworms, cooked chicken or shrimp)

  • Fish (occasional feeder fish or frozen-thawed options)

  • Plant Matter (especially for adults):

  • Collard greens

  • Mustard greens

  • Dandelion greens

  • Romaine lettuce

  • Aquatic plants like duckweed, water lettuce, or anacharis

  • Fruits: Small amounts of berries, apple, or melon occasionally — as treats only.


  • Feeding Schedule:

  • Juveniles: Daily

  • Adults: Every 2–3 days

  • Make sure to remove uneaten food to maintain water quality.

  • Supplements:

  • Calcium powder (without D3): Once or twice weekly (especially for indoor setups).

  • Cuttlefish bone: Leave a piece floating in the tank for calcium access anytime.

Behavior & Handling


  • Temperament: Red-Eared Sliders are curious, active, and intelligent, often recognizing their keeper and begging for food.


  • Handling: While they can be handled occasionally, frequent handling is stressful.

  • Always wash hands thoroughly after contact.

  • Support their body firmly but gently; never grab by the tail.

  • Enrichment:

  • Rearrange tank decorations periodically.

  • Provide live plants, floating objects, and basking options to keep them stimulated.

  • Outdoor ponds offer the best enrichment for adult turtles when safe and climate-appropriate.

Health & Lifespan


  • Lifespan: 25–40 years (sometimes longer with excellent care)


  • Common Health Issues:

  • Shell Rot: Caused by dirty water or fungal infections.

  • Vitamin A Deficiency: Leads to swollen eyes and respiratory problems.

  • Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Due to lack of UVB or calcium.

  • Respiratory Infections: Result from low temperatures or poor water quality.

  • Obesity: From overfeeding protein or pellets.

  • Prevention:

  • Maintain clean, filtered water and strong UVB exposure.

  • Provide a balanced diet and proper basking temperatures.

  • Inspect shell and skin regularly for discoloration, softness, or lesions.

Final Note: The Red-Eared Slider Turtle is a hardy and engaging species, but also one that requires significant space, filtration, and long-term commitment. They are best suited for keepers prepared to provide a large aquatic habitat and maintain consistent water quality and basking conditions.

When properly cared for, these turtles thrive — displaying vibrant colors, engaging behavior, and a personality that makes them one of the most rewarding aquatic reptiles to keep.